Boom Box Parade & America 250 Celebration

June 29, 2026

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Let's Talk About It:
    Boom Box Parade
  • Beware of Dangerously Hot Weather
  • Protect Your EBT Card Benefits
  • Medical Debt Erased
 

Let's Talk About It: Boom Box Parade

We had a wonderful conversation on my weekly radio show, Let's Talk About It, with Wayne Norman, who will once again serve as Grand Marshal of Windham's beloved Boom Box Parade. We discussed everything you need to know about one of Connecticut's most unique and cherished Fourth of July traditions.
Susan Johnson, Wayne Norman, Dennis O'Brien

Here’s a rundown of what’s happening on Saturday, July 4:

  • 10:15 a.m. – Revolutionary Mile race along the parade route
  • 11:00 a.m. – 41st Annual Boom Box Parade from Jillson Square on Main Street to Memorial Park
  • 1:30 p.m. – America 250 celebration at Jillson Square and Shaboo Stage

If you plan on attending the Boom Box parade, don’t forget to bring a portable radio, tune in to WILI 1400 AM or 95.3 FM, and crank up the volume. Organizers will set up speakers along Main Street so everyone can enjoy the music together.

Be sure to wear red, white, and blue, bring an American flag, stay hydrated, apply sunscreen, and consider bringing an umbrella for shade.

Following the parade, continue the celebration by commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This free community event will feature historical reenactments, live music by the Windham Concert Band, cultural performances, food trucks, and family-friendly activities celebrating our nation’s history and the spirit of our community.

I hope you’ll join us for this unforgettable and unique day of patriotism, tradition, and community. I look forward to seeing you there!
Boom Box Parade Grand Marshal Wayne Norman
previews this weekend's holiday festivities.
 

Beware of Dangerously Hot Weather

The state has activated the Extreme Hot Weather Protocol due to a long-duration heat wave featuring severely hot and humid weather. The protocol is in effect from Tuesday at 12:00 p.m. through at least 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.

State agencies, municipalities, and other partners are coordinating with United Way 2-1-1 to ensure that information regarding cooling centers is available statewide. Anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat can find their nearest cooling center at www.211ct.org or by calling 2-1-1.
Learn more here
 

Protect Your EBT Card Benefits

Connecticut has seen a rise in EBT card PIN theft and benefit fraud. All EBT cardholders are encouraged to take precautions to protect their accounts and benefits when using their cards.

The Department of Social Services offers several tools and resources to help recipients safeguard their benefits from fraudulent transactions. Click the button below to learn more about available security features and steps you can take to protect your account.
Protect Your EBT Card Benefits
 

Medical Debt Erased

More than 97,000 Connecticut residents will soon see some or all of their medical debt erased, providing much-needed relief to those burdened by unpaid health care bills. Approximately $315 million in medical debt will be eliminated through a partnership between the Lamont administration and the national nonprofit Undue Medical Debt.

Residents whose debt has been cancelled will receive a letter from Undue Medical Debt in the mail. The branded envelope will feature both the Undue Medical Debt logo and the Connecticut state seal. A sample of the letter is shown below.

252,000 Connecticut residents have had more than $513 million in medical debt erased since the initiative began in 2024. By reducing this financial burden, the program is helping families improve their financial stability and focus on their health and well-being rather than overwhelming medical costs.